STONE RIDGE- Congressman Pat Ryan announced his Fall Service Academy Workshop is set for Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at SUNY Ulster at 491 Cottekill Road in Stone Ridge, NY 12484. Congressman Ryan hosted his first Service Academy Workshop in May. The event is open to the public. Students, parents, and educators interested in learning about the Service Academy nomination process, meeting nomination board interviewers, or discovering other pathways to service are encouraged to attend.
“At West Point, I learned to live a life grounded in duty, honor, and service to our county. Nominating the next generation of leaders is an incredible privilege,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Our military is also one of our most diverse institutions. My goal is to develop an officer corps that reflects our community. This starts by reaching out to everyone in New York’s 18th Congressional District and empowering them with the information and resources to take part in the nomination process – I hope to see any young person interested in pursuing national service there.”
“It’s been a lifelong goal to attend a service academy. This informational event assured me that this dream remains possible,” said Dennis Palacios, a student at Monroe-Woodbury High School and attendee of the May workshop. “Each service academy representative was kind and encouraging. They also provided useful information on cadet life and tips to strengthen my application. Many thanks to Congressman Ryan and the service academy/ROTC representatives for hosting such an incredible event!”
The workshop will include a question and answer session with a panel of experts from all five Service Academies, opportunities to learn more about other pathways to service, including R.O.T.C. programs, and opportunity to meet nomination board interviewers. Members of the public interested in attending the workshop are encouraged to RSVP by October 1, 2023, by emailing Joseph Paone at joseph.paone@mail.house.gov.
Congressman Pat Ryan is a 2004 graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA) and is the first West Point graduate to represent the USMA in Congress.
The United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy require Congressional, Vice Presidential, or Service-Connected nominations to qualify as candidates to receive appointments to a U.S. Service Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination, but was represented at the Information Workshop.
U.S. Service Academies provide appointees with a four-year, tuition-free undergraduate education. Graduates are then commissioned as officers in their respective military branch and serve for a minimum five-year commitment.
U.S. citizens of New York’s 18th Congressional District between the ages of 17 and 23 are eligible to apply for a nomination to a Service Academy by Congressman Pat Ryan. The application period for fall 2024 admission closes on October 31, 2023. Interested constituents can find additional information on the nomination process on Congressman Ryan’s website or by contacting his district offices at 845-443-2930.
